Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 February 1912 — Page 3

A BUNCH OF VIOLETS

It was one of those uptown cross-' streets whose dividing line is Broadway. No. 87, west, was one of many handsome stone dwellings, while No. ; 87, east, was merely a shabby boarding house given over to the accommo*' dation of working girls. Esther Mason wearily climbed the stairs of No. 87 east, and paused as Mrs. Beggs’ shrill voice called her name from the hall below. "Here’s something for you—a boy left it a few minutes ago—flowers, I guess! Suppose your beau sent ’em," said the boarding house mistress as Esther descended the stairs. The girl’s face flushed as she took the square box and examined the address on the violet apd gold cover. “Miss Esther Mason, No. 87 East sixth Btreet." Surely it must be for her, and yet—who would send her a ' box of flowers on her birthday? Save for the few persons in the office where she was employed she had scarcely an acquaintance in New York —and as for the home people? Esther swallowed a little sob and with a murmured word of thanks to Mrs. Beggs she ran lightly up the stairs to her little room and tossed the box on her narrow bed. When she had removed her outdoor thihgg she Bathed her face and brushed her dusky hair into satin smoothness before she sat down. All the home folks had passed away to another and more beautiful country two long years before Esther had taken her small patrimony and gone bravely to the great city to make her way among thousands of wage-earners. The investment of her money had brought her a business education, and she had slowly worked her way upward until now she could look forward to the time when an increased salary might permit of a more congenial home. In the meantime the little bank account must grow larger. This was her birthday and she alone knew it. It was a strange coincidence that some one—some new-found friend might send her some Mowers on that day. She lifted the cover and gazed with delight upon an Immense bunch of •violets. Still mystified and yet with a feeling of relief that she might not be obliged to return the gift to some unrecognized donor, she arose with the quick decision that was characteristic of her and changed her gown for the pretty pale gray that was her best. ° When the large gray hat with its single long gray feather was perched on her pretty head and the fragrant violets were pinned at her waist, Esther ran down the stairs and knocked at the door of Mrs. Beggs’ sittingroom. “I am going out to dinner,* Mrs. Beggs,” she called softly. It was after 6 o’clock and the streets and shops were brilliantly lighted. Esther hummed a little song as she turned into Fifth avenue and made her way toward a large and fashionable hotel. She knew all about this hotel —rich and fashionable people dined there bVetynigbt. This was her blrthday and she was alone. She would treat herself to the luxury of a perfectly cooked dinner and while she. listened to the music she might see all these great people whose gay doings filled much space in the newspapers. Ten minutes later she was Seated in a quiet corner of the immense restaurant with hundreds of tables glittering with silver and cut glass. As she ate the delicious meal, the payment for which would drain her purse to the bottom, her beautiful eyes took in the varied charm of the scene The handsome gowns of the women; the quiet well bred air of the men; the lovely girls, most of them her own age. to whom this dinner was a common occurrence. At the next table to Esther’s sat an elderly woman, gowned in soft black, lace with a Jeweled butterfly quivering above her snow white hair. With her was a tall young man with serious gray eyes and handsome face bent above the menu card. In the pauses of the music their conversation floated In snatches to the youpg girl at her solitary table. “You are not wearing my violets. Aunt Esther,” said the young man after a while. "You said you wanted violets.’’ “I haven’t received, them, Dick,” returned his companion; “I supposed you -had forgotten them or that you would stop for them on the way to the theater.” “They were ordered—let me see, I bought them in a little shop just off the avenue —some German name Relnz. I believe —he said he’would send them over Immediately. Some mistake, I suppose, for I distinctly told him they were for Miss Esther Mason, 87 West -—sixth street." The young man lifted his eyes and encountered the gaze of a pair of startled brown ones whose like he had never seeir before. In wondering delight he noted the brown of the eyes, and the distinct black of the curling lashes and delicately marked brows. "What is the matter, dear?” asked his aunt anxiously. "Nothing—Just a twinge.** he evaded quickly. r. y ' ■?- “Gout?” Her tone was playful. "No—heart,” he said grimly. Esther watching them with flutter Ing'hir, touched the bunch of cool violets at her waist with trembling

By CLARISSA MACKIE

fingers. She had heard the conversation about the viflTets and understood. The name on the florist’s box had been “Relnz” and there was another “Miss Esther Mason" for whom the blossoms had been purchased. A stupid shopman and the mere difference of east and west —and a singular coincidence of names —had completed the tangle. The violets were not hers. They belonged to that beautifully gowned woman at the next table who was drawing on her white gloVes and pre« paring for her departure. Esther paid the waiter and slipped into her loose gray cloak. With a graceful movement she crossed to the next table and bent over her astonished namesake. “I must ask your pardon,” said Esther composedly, "but I could not help overhearing your conversation about the violets. My name is Esther Mason and I live at 87 East sixth street. Tonight I received this beautiful bunch of violets and as there was no card —why I Just thought they came because it was my birthday. It did not occur to me there might have been a < mistake —the address was so plain on the box.” * As she spoke, Esther unpinned the flowers and laid them on the table beside Miss Mason, but the older woman thrust them back into her hands. “No, no, my dear, you must keep them; it is your birthday—and I am very glad that you have them.” She smiled sweetly at the lovely young face bent above her own and as she looked, a puzzled expression came into her eyes. She flashed a quick glance toward the table where the girl had been sitting, and then added: “You are alone —here —tonight?" -Perhaps your friends are waiting for you.” Esther flushed and drew back. “I am all alone,” she said with dignity. “I came here to dine this evening because it was my birthday and I wanted a treat —the violets tempted me—they seemed to lure me into spending one.delightfully luxurious evening. If you will not take the violets, Miss Mason, let me thank you for them and say good-night." She turned away with a slight inclination of the head, but the older woman’s hand caught hers and detained her. “Wait a moment, please. You did not understand me, my dear. I asked about your friends because I thought I might recognize among them one whom I knew —your face 1b so familiar—it is very like—someone I knew.” Miss Mason’s own face was pale now and her dark eyes shone strangely. Esther hesitated an Instant, then her firm white chin went up never so slightly. “I am sure you cannot have known my people. Miss Mason. You see, No. 87 East is a boarding house and lam merely a working girl. My people are all dead.” Her lips quivered 'slightly, and Dick Redmond suddenly dropped his eyes from her face and twisted his dinner card viciously. Mlsb Mason leaned back a little wearily and dropped the girl’s hand. “I -am very aorgr,’’ ; -flh.e said gently; “but I was sure —you look so like Tom was my cousin.” "My father’s name was Tom Mason —Tom Henry Mason they called him,” said Esther quietly. “You see we are Maryland people. They are all dead — every one save some distant cousins whom I have never seen.” Miss Mason arose quickly and slipped her arm around Esther’s waist. “My dear girl,” she half sobbed. "Tom Henry Mason was my cousin—on the other side of the house, Dick —and I really believe you were named for mV There was a misunderstanding be--1 twedn us which was never cleared up. Oh, you must come with us now, let me introduce my nephew, Dick Redmond —my cousin Esther Mason, Dick. Is it not delightful that you made the mistake about the violets?” JDick’B hand closed around Esther’s and hiß gray eyes sought hers eagerly. “We are on our way to the theater,” explained Miss Mason as they passed into the lobby and made their way to the street, where a handsome carriage waited at the curb. “You must come with us—it is your birthday, you know, and between the acts I will ask you about all your home people and we will lay plans for the future.” Dick, following them into the carriage, mentally decided that he, too. was very lonely he would make it his business to relieve his solitary condition at the earliest opportunity. Perhaps he felt a bit encouraged when, as he left Esther at the open door of No. 87 East, be asked her for some of the violets. “I could not.” said the girl quickly, clasping the bunch with eager hands. “You see they mean so much to me- — see what they have brought me tonight!” She waved her hand to Miss Mason in the carriage below and then placed It in Redmond’s outstretched palm. He looked at her from grave eyes. “The violets mean so much to me — now—l would like Jurft one,” he said. With downcast face Esther pulled out a little bunch of her precious blossoms and gave them into his hand. Then with a little murmured wofd of farewell, she disappeared within the door of No 87 East But the took in bar eyes as she flew up the tong stairs matched the look in Dick Redpond’s eyes as he rejoined his aunt » ~

WHEREIN LIES THE ISLAMIC PERIL

EVER since Italy made hey sudden advance on the last Mussulman possession in North Africa, European Christendom has been wondering with no little apprehension, and some conscious guilt, whether the act may not evoke a great sympathetic outburst on the part of the Islamic peoples, numbering some two hundred millions,, and including legions of the fiercest fighting men in the. world. Such a notion, however, is the merest nightmare. For nothing is less possible than a union of the Moslem for an attack upon the rest of the world or any part of it. The Islamic danger, of which I 'am not denying the existence in certain forms, is practically confined to Africa, and between modern Islamic sentiment in Asia and Africa there is a great gulf fixed. In Asia the inspiration of twentieth century Islam is a desire for cultural progress. 'Among the Mohammedans of Asia, whether in Turkey, Persia, Afghanistan or India and even in Arabia, a general consensus of the best and most Enlightened opinion holds that the 1 future power, influence and continued existence of Islamic races depends upon their assimilation of western learning, science and even social systems. But in Africa Islam exists on a much lower mental level, and, while still inspired by the fires of aggressive fanaticism, nevertheless lacks, as yet, the cohesion necessary to make it really formidable. But it has never lost its sanguinary possibilities or discarded its hope of supremacy by the sword. This lively militant faith, in which we may discern an Islamic peril, is enshrined in a number of secret rfects or confraternities. These at present are for the most part bitterly at variance with one another, and incapable of common action even against the Christian. Should, however, one of these confraternities succeed in obtaining a dominant power and influence, a general attack upon white interests from the Mediterranean to the Zambesi might become a much more serious possibility. It is in this contingency that an Islamic peril lies, and its menace/ls essentially African. As yet this union of sects under one leadership, with one co-operative Impetus, has not been ■ achieved, but it is even now threatening, and there is sufficient evidence that there are those who are working with secret but undaunted persistence for the eventful triumph of Islam in the Dark Continent. In fact, so extraordinary has been the success of the Senussl Brotherhood that all the signs would seem to point to the ultimate adhesion of the millions of* native Africa to this I great militant organization. Its keynote is uncompromising resistance to European aggression, and a revival of the earlier fighting spirit of Islam. A disposition is evinced by occasional writers who are not conversant with its persistent propaganda to belittle the Senussl power and influence. But it is otherwise with those who have passed many years in close touch with the peoples of North and Central Africa, and with the pulsations of unrest which are forever passing up and down through the veins and arteries of the Dark Continent. Many an officer of British and French colonial levies has encountered the signs and tokens of a systematic organization which it wotfld be foolish to ignore, It is from these men that the following particulars come, and their story is an interesting one. About six hundred miles south of the Mediterranean and 500 miles west of the Nile, encompassed by howling wastes of desert, in which the wells are sixty and seventy miles apart, lies the Baharan stronghold of the Senussl, the town of Joffe, in the oasis of Kufra. Here is the headquarters of that able and mysterious personage referred to as Senussl, who is regarded by the myriads of his devoted following as the true mahdl, and in this plane, they are told, he is watching, planning, and preparing for the great day when the green standard shall be unfurled over Africa and the dark race shall rise and fight for the land of their inheritance. An officer in Nigeria was recently told by .a native sergeant that he belonged to the Benusai Brotherhood. Asked what it all meant, he replied quite frankly, “When ail is ready we stall drive all the white people out of the land. Bat the time is not yet" From this man the officer ascertained

that two-thirds of the men in his command were likewise members of the sect, and several of them actually priests or mullahs. These latter, who are the secret emissaries of the organization, 'are trained at Joffo, and are dispatched in thousands throughout. Africa, coming* and going almost invisibly. Ftor* a long time past, however, the British authorities have kept them under a certain degree of surveillance, compelling them to carry a passbook, which they must get signed by the officer commanding if they wish to stay in any British station. It is an interesting proof of their übiquity that one of these some little .while back, when his book was examined by an officer on the west coast, was found to have been In Khartoum during the siege, his pass bearing the signature of the ill-fated British leader. Further information suggests that the actually affiliated members of Senussi-ism number over ten millions, and that would be but a fraction of the total force available if Senussl proclaimed the Jehad. Secure in the heart of the vast Saharan wilderness he has, it is known, large stores and munitions of war. He possesses an armory, and, there is good reason to believe, an extensive factory for the manufacture of arms and ammunition, while much more is continually being transported thither from at least three different parts of Africa. Thither also come offerings to the prophet of costly gifts, together with frequent despatches from his many secret service agents not only in' Africa, but Europe as well. The extraordinary persistence of Senussi-ism is carrying it far and wide through Central Africa southward towards the Zambesi and the swarming millions of Pagan races who are causing us no little anxiety in South Africa today. It is drawing into a vast community of native feeling all the fierce races who find in its militant creed a far greater attraction than in Christianity, with its higher moral standards, especially as it holds out the promise of a coming day when a deadly blow will be struck at the hated white aggressor. The missionaries of Islam are Beating those of Christianity in ' Africa, and, wherever they go, there the Senussl brotherhood establishes itself for a beacon, as it were, on the hilltops, waiting for the master-hand to apply the torch. In that day the European will find himself confronted by overwhelming masses, and by an organization, efficiency and armament superior to any yet encountered in Africa. Moreover, thousands have been, and are still being, trained in white methods of warfare by British, French and German instructors of colonial regiments. Senussl is an astute statesman, and will only move when everything is favorable for an appeal to a greater unity of Mohammedan feeling and action than has been witnessed for many ages. Should, however, the Italians ever attempt to v push their outposts southward, they will experience the fighting weight of the most powerful Islamic organization in Africa. Whether Senussl possesses light artillery of any sort has never been ascertainable, says an officer in the Soudan, but the extraordinary mobility of his following, their powers of endurance, their intimate knowledge of the vast howling wastes of desert, into which they can always retreat and defy pursuit, are advantages with which the Italian forces could never hope to cope successfully. Certain It is that amidst the fast nesses of the Sahara a keen «ye is watching the growing dissensions of the great powers in Europe and elsewhere. Senussites themselves are forced to own that the time for the expulsion of the white nee from Africa is not yet put they tell one with equal frankness that it may be—if God wills—one day when the Christians are cutting one another’s throats. It is in this that they look for their grand opportunity, and it is possible even now that the outbreak of a great European struggle might be the signal for a mighty conflagration in Africa, v

County Fair to Date.

Visitor —So your agricultural _ show was a great success? Big exhibit at live stock, I suppose? Native —Nope, not n one. Too see, wo lpul to use that space to park too automobiles in.—Puck.

USE OF CROSS IN HERALDRY

More Than Four Hundred Forma of the Device Are Recognized In That Science. In early pagan days the cross was a symbol of shame and ignominy, and only those deforced or misshapen trees that could be used for no other purpose were formed into crosses. But since the cross has become dear to Christians, says the “Ave Maria,” the most precious weeds and metals have been formed into it. To the third century may be traced the custom pf making the Sign of the Cross. In the days of Constantine, Christians painted crosses on the entrances of their houses as a symbol of their faith. The impetus to tha use of the cross In heraldry was given by the Crusaders, whd wore a red cross upon their right shoulder as a token of the obligation they had taken upon themselves. Its form and meanings in heraldic designs are many. In fact, over four hundred and seven different forms have been recorded by students of biography and genealogy. In heraldry the cross is formed by two perpendicular and two horizontal lines crossing in the center of the shield. This form is modified in various ways by additions and combinations, thus expressing many meanings. It has been said that human intelligence has never devised a system so Infinite in its varieties and so endless in its application as is to be found in the science of heraldry, in which figure twenty-seven basic or fundamental crosses. The Greek cross has all four arms of equal length, while the Latin cross has the earth end longer than the other three arms. The Calvary or Christ Cross rests upon three steps or degrees. The Patriarch cross is recognized by its double crossbar. The St. Andrew’s cross is an X, in token of the form of cross on which that saint suffered martyrdom by having his hands and' feet bound to its four arms. The St. Anthony cross la shaped like a T, and has its name from the cross that St Anthony, ab--1 bot, wore upon his cloak, though the origin of his cross seems to be Egypt* lan. - It is a matter of interest that many American families have the cross as the basic emblem of their escutcheons. Among them are at least five of the presidents. The Garfield shield has a blue cross in the dexter canton, and the family motto is, "In the cross I conquer.” The Tyler shield bad on it a bar, two crescents and a cross form. The shield of the Adams family was adorned by a large cruciform device.

Tribute to Amazons.

The magnificent example of toe women of Dahomey should be made widely known wherever their more civilized sisters are to be found struggling for their rights. Frederick Martyn of the French foreign legion, who fought In the recent Dahomey campaign, tells us emphatically that "the female of the species is more deadly than the male.” The Senegalese tirailleurs were attacked by the Amazons, and Mr. Martyn says that “any one inclined to sympathize with the Ama>zons on account of their sex and to look upon toe Combat between them and our men as unequal, may take it from me that their sympathy would be misplaced. These young women were far and away the best men in the Dahomeyan army, and woman to man were quite a match for any of us. They fought like unchained demons, and If driven into a corner, did not disdain to use their teeth and nails.” It may be an error of policy to make these facts known, and thus to stimulate a militancy already vigorous enough.

Unseen Universe.

In the vicinity of the star S. Corona Australis Innes and Worsell have found a patch of sky 25 minutes of arc in diameter where no star can be seen with a 9-inch refracting tele* scope. According to Innes, who discusses the subject in “Transvaal Observatory Circular No. 5," the apparent absence of stars in this region is due to the occurrence of some absorbing medium, interposed between us and distant parts of the universe. Stars in toe neighborhood of the dark region are enveloped in nebulm; while jnst on the border of it there is a star which has been qbseryed to fluctuate in magnitude between 11.0 and 12.2, and which was invisible daring the years 1899-1901. The latter fact is accounted for on -the supposition that the absorbing medium was for a time in front of the Star, but has since withdrawn from ft

Supplanting Mr. Howells.

Prof. Brand er Matthews, at a dinner in New York, said of literary criticism: “A good deal of it, too, is biased. ▲ good deal of it is like Mr. Walton's 1 “Mr. Walton’s daughter, a college girl, wrote, at the age of 18, a novel which her father bfOHght out for her at his own expense. "Daring the Christmas holidays Mr. Walton gave a party in his daughter's honor, and at this party the young girl read from an improvised platform chapters out of her book. “Her fend old father was carried away by the reading. So tremendously indeed did bis admiration for *** daughter's talent enkindle him that, as the girl read cm, the old man could be heard muttering over and over: “Howells be bulged! Howells be hanged!” , v -- /-.v-

FINE DRAMA SEASON

ATTRACTIONS AT PLUNKVILLE REVIEWED BY EDITOR, Opening With Greater Barnstormers* Minstrels, the List included Prof. % Bvengali, “East Lynne,” “Jesse James” and Others. “The dramatic season Just ended,” said the Winesap County Weekly Vindicator, "was the most successful in the history of Plnnkville, both from an artistic and a financial point of view. “Early In October the season was ushered in with the Greater Barnstormers’ Minstrels, with v 15 performers in high top slickems and beautiful pink dusters, who played the most ravishing circus marches in the courthouse yard. At the evening performance many of the latest melodies were rendered, including ‘After the. Ball,’ ‘Hot Time Tonight,' and ‘Love Mnh and the World Is Mine;' also many first-class jokes which have never been seen in the almanacs in this section. Our versatile and talented barber, hand leader, baseball pitcher, orchestra conductor, and society favorite, Mr. Nick Duggins, secured an engagement with the minstrels to play second baritone and double up in the evening as 'Mr. Rastus Johnsing Brown.’ “In November a hypnotist and entertainer called ‘Prof. X. Svengali,’ occupied the boards at the opera house. Professor Svengali put Sam Tucker, the tinner, into a trance, and made him stand on his head in the corner and sing the ‘Doxology.’ After the performance Sam missed a flve-dollar bill, but he allowed toe fun was worth the money. _ "In December we witnessed that soulful and lachrymose drama, ‘East Lynne,' put on with great eclat and a whole lot of terrific success. Deacon Shucks, who hasn’t cried since his wife ran away w*to toe leader of toe Bass Center choir, broke into profuse tears; and as toe large concourse of Plunkvillians shuffled down the steps that lead from over 8. Quigley’s wellknown commission, confectionery and farm implements emporium, there was not a dry eye on the stairs. “About the middle of January the Ffunkvllle Thespian and Terpsichorean Troupe rendered ‘Kate, the Convict’s daughter,* for the benefit of toe South Sea head hunters. Miss Sadie Sebree, our talented milliner, who took the immortal role of Kjate Kipper, made a pronounced hit and admits that, when it comes to finished trapdoor and red-light situations, she baa Mme. Bernhardt backed off the boards. "The spring attractions included! Ten Nights in a Barroom,* ‘Jesse* James,' a Shakespearean elocutionist who put everybody to sleep faster than Parson Buckner does, and a man without arms who played toe bass viol with his toes. 1 “For the next season Manager Tobe Scruggles will maintain the same high standard. He has already engaged ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin,' a fiddling quartet, a moving-picture show, a patentmedicine entertainment and an ossified man. During the summer many notable Improvements will be made. ▲ new tin comloe will be erected and the interior will bo repainted In exquisite tints of flamingo red, paris green. H»l<m T»<nlr «Tiil oKwann Tjllmg with many striking fresco representing Venus, General Grdm, the Muses and Little Eqpeep. For next season the same competent staff will serve the public. Capt. Artemus Jefferson, the saddler, will continue to preside at the box office in return for toe privilege of seeing the shows free. Nathan Thomas, the grocer, will light up and make fires and ‘Piggy’ Partington, the widow’s son, will act as usher and carry the red banner with toe golden letters in toe parades for the same splendid privileges.

New Find of an Old Race.

Fanning Island, in the mid-Paciflc ocean, which was recently purchased by a British Canadian syndicate for use as a coaling station, is the scene of remarkable discoveries, the ne'ws of which was brought by the steamship Makura, which arrived at Vancouver, B. C., on Dec. 13. Archaeological explorations hove brought to view indications that the island was inhabited at some long-ago period by a race with peculiar skill in architecture. Excavations there have unearthed a large stone building, 50. feet wide and 300 feet long, in the construction of which no mortar was used, the stones used haying been skillfully mortised together.' .. Near oy this strange structure was found a tomb containing a human skeleton with a necklace made of the teeth of the sperm whale, and of other articles, Including the skull of a dog. - x

All Fixed.

"I think I'll propose at the party to “No, you won’t” “Why won’t f?” ’ “My sister knows the young lady in the case, and it has been arranged for you to propose at the ball next week.”—Louisville Courier-Journal.

in Control.

“A man always likes to feel that he Is in a position to reward~Ms friends and punish his enemies.” “That’s true,” replied Senator Sorghum; “sometimes I am tempted to take a position as Janitor of a big building” * [qM